By James Peters

Capacity crunch eases slightly at Royal Inland Hospital

May 12, 2016 | 11:44 AM

KAMLOOPS — BC’s Health Minister says overcapacity issues at Royal Inland Hospital are easing gradually, but are still very acute right now.

Terry Lake notes the hospital is at 124 per cent of capacity today, after reaching as high as 130 per cent earlier in the week.

Lake says the pressure is being brought on by several issues.

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“The flow in the hospital is always dependent on the number of people coming through the door,” said Lake. “I think that speaks to the challenge of providing primary care in the community.”

“The physician shortage that we’re experiencing (is a factor). And the flu has been later this year, which is adding pressure.”

Lake says in the short term, the management team is trying to find ways of expediting discharge of patients.

He adds in the longer term, the openings of the new Clinical Services Building and Patient Care Tower will greatly ease crowding problems.